Masterton Town Hall Demo Given Green Light
After almost a decade in limbo, Masterton's town hall and municipal buildings will be wiped from the town's streetscape.
Independent commissioner Alistair Aburn has granted resource consent for the council to demolish its century-old civic buildings.
It followed several turbulent years of consultation and decision-making marked by controversy, public complaints, and protests.
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said he felt a mixture of 'relief and trepidation' with the outcome.
'Relief because it could bring to a conclusion a debate which seems like it has gone on forever without any sign of resolution; trepidation because there is always the chance that the decision will be appealed and we will have to go through this latest process all over again.'
He said it had been the most emotionally difficult decision he had experienced in his 15 years on council.
He had previously fought to save the town hall, then he fought to retain the façade, both of which could not be done at a reasonable cost to ratepayers.
'At the end of the day you have to base your decision around what is best for the community both in terms of cost and viability, and I believe we have done that.'
Masterton Ratepayers and Residents Association president Lyn Riley said residents had asked for 'vision' from the council but instead 'got a bulldozer'.
'Demolishing our iconic town hall ignores heartfelt community concern, lacks a business case, and leaves ratepayers with more long-term debt when they are facing costly water reforms.
'No modern structure or architectural drawing can replicate their historical value or the deep connection to those who came before us.
'This is not progress – it's erasure.'
How we got here
In 2016, the town hall was closed after it was found to be earthquake-prone.
In 2019, Masterton District Council consulted on building a new civic facility and this direction was agreed upon the next year.
As part of its 2021-31 Long-Term Plan process, the council locked in a budget of $26.8 million it would borrow to build the new civic facility, and $4 million from external sources.
A site at the northern end of Masterton had been earmarked for this new build.
On the day the 2021-31 Long-Term Plan was adopted, an estimated 1000 people gathered at the town hall site for the 'Hands Around the Hall' protest.
Attendees wanted the town hall to be strengthened or rebuilt on the same site and the façade retained.
Former council chief executive Kath Ross had been caught on CCTV ripping down a poster promoting the event and later resigned.
Residents protested again in 2022, this time at the recreation centre site that had been earmarked for a potential build.
That same year, the Auditor-General found there were flaws in the council's record keeping over the civic facility location decision and looked into whether councillors had dealt with conflicts of interest appropriately.
The Ombudsman was also involved in determining whether consultation on the project had been rigorous enough and found in favour of the council.
Later that year, the project was placed on hold after estimates put the cost of the new civic facility at more than $70 million, inclusive of contingency.
A new council was elected later that year and in 2024, this council voted to demolish the town hall and municipal building and build anew on the same site for a cost of no more than $25 million.
A resource consent application to demolish the buildings was lodged at the end of the year and a hearing was held in April.
What the commissioner said
In his decision, released on Monday, Commissioner Alistair Aburn said the demolition of the buildings was 'an appropriate use of physical resources'.
He said the council had undertaken 'a sufficiently robust assessment of alternative options' which could not be pursued.
He also said the retention of the façade was unlikely to be financially viable.
'The demolition of the town hall, a scheduled heritage building, will have more than minor heritage effects,' Aburn said.
'However, when regard is had to the other matters requiring assessment ... including the positive effects of removing an earthquake-prone building thereby enhancing public safety and enabling the future construction of a fit for purpose town hall built to 100% of the new building standard (NBS), I consider loss of historic heritage values has been offset to an acceptable degree.'
At the hearing, Aburn expressed concern that the site would be left vacant after the demolition and had set conditions to mitigate this risk.
He said a 'public space activation plan' prepared by a suitably qualified landscape architect or designer would need to be approved before demolition works began.
The plan would need to include the design of an interim landscaped open space that activated the site, maintained visual amenity, and encouraged safe public use once demolished.
The council would need to provide an indicative timeline or project plan for the design of the replacement building, as well as draft concept plans before demolition.
Another condition of the consent was the preparation of a full inventory of materials that may be salvaged for reuse or sale and that there be an installation of interpretative material and memorabilia in the replacement building, which would allow the public to engage with the history of the site and the buildings which originally existed there.
The council would also need to obtain an archaeological authority from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 prior to any demolition works commencing.
The resource consent would be valid for five years from the date it was granted.
Next steps
Caffell said the council had decided that a new build be pursued once the site was demolished.
The budget for the demolition and build had been set at $25 million.
'No one can deny that will be a challenge,' he said.
'I am encouraged though by the fact that there are developers and people within the construction industry who believe it can de done and we will obviously be leaning on their expertise along the way.'
A fundraising group led by former Masterton Mayor Bob Francis had been established and had some 'innovative plans', Caffell said.
'It is probably worth noting too that while council is not now supporting the retention of the façade, there remains the possibility that some parts of it could still be incorporated in any new design.
'That is still very much in the exploration stage but personally I get quite excited about what we might be able to achieve there.'
He said the 'cheeky' side of him saw value in approaching neighbouring councils for financial support for the facility as it was likely to hold a crowd 'twice as big as any currently available in the Wairarapa'.
'This will mean that some of the bigger shows which have to give this region a a miss because of their size will have the opportunity to come to Masterton, and the entire region will benefit as a result.'
Now that a decision on the demolition consent has been made, appeals can be lodged to the Environment Court within 15 working days of May 26.
Council infrastructure and assets manager Maseina Koneferenisi said the council was pleased with the outcome and would start to engage with relevant experts to work through condition requirements.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
14-06-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Council shows support of new bus route
Oamaru commuters wanting to catch a bus to Dunedin will have to wait at least three more years, under draft regional transport plans but politicians here want funding for even more transport services. The Waitaki District Council has shown its support of the introduction of a 112km direct bus connection between Oamaru and Dunedin and a connecting service to the town's North End in a submission to Otago Regional Council's draft Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) 2025-35. "WDC has strongly advocated to ORC for public transport opportunities in the Waitaki district," Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said. While the council continued to support the ongoing Total Mobility programme that provides opportunities for door-to-door public transport for disabled people in Oamaru and the regional bus service between Dunedin and Palmerston, the submission laid out aspirations for improved connectivity for Oamaru residents. "One example relevant in the Waitaki district is providing public transport options to access hospital services in Dunedin," Mr Kircher said. "WDC supports the implementation of daily services between Oamaru and Dunedin via Palmerston." While a key proposal in ORC's draft RPTP is to "investigate" an Oamaru-Dunedin service, the WDC submission asks for much more. The council submission also pushes for the implementation of a "fixed urban connecter service" between Weston and Oamaru via South Hill, as well as "on-demand" service between Oamaru North and the town's city centre. The submission suggested the regional transport plan "proactively engage with communities and organisations, including iwi, to foster trust and ensure public transport projects meet local demand and align with community priorities". It also suggests that a connected and integrated network needs to deliver "a reliable and convenient" transport system that "supports local economies and enhances community resilience" in a manner that represents value for money. Despite not having any direct public transport services operating in the town, Oamaru residents are already charged a $5.45 public transport rate by ORC to support regional planning and potential future services. The inclusion of the Oamaru to Dunedin proposal responds to community interest expressed during the Long-Term Plan 2024-34 consultation, where over 400 submissions region-wide highlighted demand for public transport trials, including in Oamaru. However, an on-demand bus service within Oamaru itself is not planned. The wording of ORC's draft plan also means the introduction of a direct service is still years away, as it is listed as a "medium to long-term initiative" (3–10 years away) due to funding constraints and the need for further planning. The draft plan also proposed raising passenger fares by 50c to $2.50 as well as the introduction of fare zones, where the council could charge more for longer trips (for example, the 50km Palmerston-to-Dunedin route), which could potentially affect Oamaru residents if the Oamaru-Dunedin service is implemented. ORC Moeraki constituency representative councillor Kevin Malcolm said the council was aware of the need. "Council is committed to finding a real option to provide a public transport service between Oamaru and Dunedin but talk needs to stop and we need action." Public consultation on the draft RPTP was undertaken from March 24 to May 2. A total of 549 submissions were received and 32 submitters presented to the regional council Hearings Panel, which heard three days of public submissions from May 13. The recommendations of the Hearings Panel will be presented to the regional council for approval at its monthly meeting, later this month.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- Scoop
Happy Valley Land Purchased For Metlink Bus Depot
A Happy Valley site has been purchased by Greater Wellington for the development of a bus depot as part of the regional council's Public Transport Asset Control Strategy. Approved by 86% of respondents during consultation for the 2024-34 Long term Plan, the strategy to acquire depot sites is considered crucial for securing the long-term continuity of Metlink bus services. Greater Wellington Transport Committee chair Thomas Nash says by controlling depots, the council is removing barriers for new bus operators to enter the market. 'Value for money for residents and public transport users through open and fair competition is a key plank of our strategy, which also aims to improve the passenger experience as we transition to a zero emissions fleet,' Cr Nash says. 'This purchase gives us a base for growth by encouraging bus operators that do not have depots to bid for Metlink contracts. It gives us certainty to make long term investments in charging infrastructure for electric buses, at a location that will help us deliver a more planned, responsive and efficient network.' 'We need the right infrastructure in the right places,' says Greater Wellington chair Daran Ponter. 'The depot will be near the start of several bus routes – including the high frequency route 1 – and will support the expansion and electrification of north to south services. 'Beyond 2030, the future is uncertain for the earthquake prone, historic Kilbirnie bus depot, while a depot in Rongotai has space constraints. 'That's why Metlink is also exploring opportunities for another depot north of Wellington, and breaking ground on a new depot by the airport to buttress east to west buses – including our most popular service, the route 2.' Greater Wellington takes possession of the one-hectare, Happy Valley section in May 2026, and plans for a depot to open there in mid-2028. Deputy Transport Committee chair Simon Woolf says the purchase is 'sensible future proofing' for the region. 'Happy Valley depot will eventually strengthen bus services between Wellington's south coast and growing areas in the north,' Cr Woolf says. 'It will initially stable up to 80 diesel buses, until sufficient energy is connected and battery chargers installed to power our expanding electric fleet.' South Wellington bus user and regional councillor Yadana Saw says Metlink is committed to being a good neighbour and responsible member of the Happy Valley community. 'Securing this site safeguards public transport assets in public ownership. It enables genuine engagement with people working and living nearby and strengthens our partnership with mana whenua Taranaki Whānui and Ngāti Toa Rangatira – by bringing us together on any sites of significance,' Cr Saw says. 'BigAir gym will continue to operate on the site, and other tenants will be given time to relocate. When development begins, we'll take steps to protect Ōwhiro Stream from any stormwater run-off that comes from the section. This is a win for transport, the environment and our community for the long term.'
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Scoop
Tasman Goes In-House For Local Water Done Well Implementation
Tasman's future management of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services has taken a step forward, with Tasman District Council unanimously opting for an in-house business unit structure to implement requirements of the Government's Local Water Done Well programme. This unit would be managed separately from other Council operations in a ringfenced capacity. While still part of the Council, it would be independently monitored to ensure high environmental and customer standards, as set by Taumata Arowai. The Council has also agreed in principle to establish an internal advisory committee with the option of external members to help provide operational oversight of three waters activities and provide advice to the Council. A report will be provided to the Council that includes options for membership, terms of reference and associated costs. Further to this, the Mayor and Councillors have expressed a desire for staff to continue discussions with other councils regarding options for greater alignment of services, information and procurement to increase efficiency savings across the Council's water, wastewater and stormwater functions. Local Water Done Well is intended to ensure people pay cost-reflective prices for water services, that those services are delivered to an acceptable quality, and that water services providers are investing sufficiently in infrastructure. The Council was obliged to consider and consult on new water service delivery options as part of the LWDW programme. On 27 March 2025, the Council confirmed public consultation on three options for future governance and management of Water, Wastewater and Stormwater. We received 16 submissions during the public consultation period between 22 April - 23 May 2025 Two options involving setting up a Water Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), each governed by an independent board, were also considered alongside the in-house proposal. Other governance options – such as trust models like those used in the electricity sector – have been considered by Council but are not being pursued. In the short to medium term, all options deliver similar financial outcomes. The structure and scope of the new business unit is yet to be finalized. However, it was acknowledged that an in-house unit operating within its agreed parameters allowed better opportunities for community involvement, as opposed to a CCO. The next steps in the process require a Water Service Delivery Plan to be completed and submitted to Department of Internal Affairs by 3 September, 2025. The WSDP will then be shared with the Commerce Commission, with a view towards the Water Service Delivery Plan being approved and ready for implementation by November 2025. It is intended that the internal business unit will formally function from 1 July 2027 to align with the next Long-Term Plan in 2027/2037.
